Boavista vs Braga Prediction: Os Arsenalistas Still Have Some Few Rounds Left In The Chamber For An Automatic Champions League Spot Finish

Boavista will seek to get back to winning ways following their setback against Gil Vicente on the road as they play host to Braga at the Estadio do Bessa XXI in the 33rd round of the Primeira Liga.

Will Os Arsenalistas be able to keep their second-place chase alive by claiming a comfortable win on the road, or will they extend their losing streak on the road to two matches?

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Boavista vs Braga, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

Boavista

Form: LWLWD

Os Axadrezados made the trip to Estádio Cidade de Barcelos to face off with Gil Vicente, and despite being the superior side in all facets of the match, it goes without saying that their lack of clinical edge was undeniably their undoing, which witnessed them succumb to a convincing 3:1 defeat.

Prior to that, they were up against struggling side Estoril Praia at home, and though they played out a goalless draw in the first half, this saw Ricardo Mangas take on the role of savior as he gave his side the lead five minutes into the second half to conclude the day with a 1:0 triumph for their valiant efforts.

While they were once on a three-match winless run at home, picking up two draws and a loss, wins against Vitoria de Guimaraes (2:1), Rio Ave (3:2), and Estoril Praia (1:0) have seen them on a three-match winning streak, and there's no denying that confidence is at an all-time high as they look to use their home advantage to record their fourth consecutive victory against Braga, who are undoubtedly a tough opponent.

Due to their abysmal start to the season, they presently find themselves occupying 11th place with 40 points, level on points with Vizela (9th) and Casa Pia (10th), while they are 17 points ahead of Maritimo, who are placed in 16th place in the relegation playoffs.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bracali; Malheiro, Cannon, Abascal, Makouta; Ferreira, Perez; Gorre, Lourenco, Mangas; Bozenik

Braga

Form: WLWWW

Os Arsenalistas were on another level at the Estádio Municipal de Braga as they over delivered on expectations in their last match against relegation hopefuls Santa Clara, as they thrashed Danildo Accioly's men 5:3 to secure all three points.

Prior to that, they were presented with the arduous task of going up against league leaders Benfica on the road in what was a close-knit encounter, and unfortunately for them, a Rafa Silva goal in the 67th minute only meant that their hopes for salvaging a point were dashed as they fell to a 1:0 defeat.

Away from home, their form has been considered as they have picked up 36 points from twelve wins and four losses, and before their loss to Benfica, it's worth mentioning that they were on a three-match winning streak. It's without a shadow of a doubt that Artur Jorge will hope his side returns to winning ways as they seek to consolidate their position in the standings.

In the standings, they presently occupy 3rd place with 74 points, while they have maintained a four-point lead over Sporting CP in 4th place and are five points behind their desired second-place finish, which guarantees automatic promotion to the Champions League. Collecting all three points here will be imperative to narrow down the point gap to two points.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Lima; Gomez, Niakate, Oliveira, Sequeira; Racic, Medeiros, Horta; Bruma, Ruiz, Horta

• Boavista are currently on a two-match winning streak when playing at home in the Primeira Liga.
• Braga were once on a three-match winning streak when playing away in the Primeira Liga.
• Braga have not won any of their last two away matches against Boavista.
• Boavista averages 1.38 goals per game when playing at home, and Braga averages 2.13 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 30 meetings, Boavista has won 6 times, Braga has won 13 times, and there have been 11 draws, with the goal difference being 42-28 in favor of Braga.

Expert Betting Tips

Braga are the better side on paper to secure a crucial three points in their bid for a second-place finish this season, and given that they have dished out one of the most superb performances, their success here isn't one to be doubted.

Boavista, on the other hand, will be banking on their home form that has come through for them in the last three matches, where nothing but a win has been evident. They'll be hoping that it'll be enough to see them off as a highly competitive side in this encounter.

Os Arsenalistas have more than enough ammunition to seriously frustrate their opponents in this clash, and a win for them here is to be highly anticipated. As such, pick Braga to win convincingly in the handicap -1.

• Handicap 2 -1 for 1.96
• Total - Over 2.5 for 1.70
• Braga Corners - Over 5.5 for 1.90